What is Opuntia ficus-indica extract?

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) is a cactus species widely used as an anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, and hypoglycemic agent. It has been shown that OFI extract (OFIE) inhibits oxidative stress in animal models of diabetes and hepatic disease; however, its antioxidant mechanism remains largely unknown.

Is Opuntia ficus-indica edible?

Cladodes, which are the flattened stems of the plant, are consumed as vegetables when they are young and tender, or used to feed cattle when they become older. These edible parts of the plant are currently used to produce a large variety of products.

What is prickly pear extract good for?

Prickly pear cactus is used for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, alcohol hangover, colitis, diarrhea, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). It is also used to fight viral infections. In foods, the prickly pear juice is used in jellies and candies.

What happens if you eat too much cactus?

In some people, prickly pear cactus can cause some minor side effects including diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and headache. In rare cases, eating large amounts of prickly pear cactus fruits can cause a blockage in the lower intestines.

Is cactus good for acid reflux?

Prickly pear cactus is just one of the natural ingredients that helps our new Heartburn Relief safely and naturally help occasional heartburn and indigestion.

How do you prepare prickly pear for diabetes?

The following doses have been studied in scientific research: BY MOUTH: For diabetes: 100-500 grams of broiled stems of prickly pear cactus daily. Doses are often divided into three equal amounts and given throughout the day.

Are all Opuntia species edible?

Many edible cacti belong to more than 200 Opuntia species, also known as the Nopales, Nopalitos, the Cactus Pear, or the Paddle Cactus. The leaves and egg-shaped fruit (or “tunas”) of all Opuntias are edible. You can identify an Opuntia by its oval, flat leaves, or “paddles,” covered with spines.

What is the common name of Opuntia ficus-indica?

prickly pear
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. is commonly known as prickly pear, cactus pear, Barbary fig, cactus fruit, Indian fig, or Nopal cactus (Fig. 44.1) and belongs to the dicotyledonous angiosperm Cactaceae family.

Is prickly pear extract safe?

When taken by mouth: Prickly pear cactus is LIKELY SAFE when eaten as food. The pads, flowers, and fruit are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken as medicine in appropriate amounts for a short period of time. In some people, prickly pear cactus can cause some minor side effects including diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and headache.

Is prickly pear good for your liver?

Nonetheless, the studies thus far have demonstrated that prickly pear has positive effects on the liver. Prickly pear fruit and juice may help with hangover symptoms by reducing inflammation. They may also help protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol consumption.